Forcing himself to tear his gaze away, Caleb’s arms banded around his son, his mind whirling. Each week brought more single men to town, most looking for work, a good number seeking a wife. The thought of May garnering the attention of someone else didn’t sit right with him. After all, she’d agreed to allow Caleb to call on her, not any of the other eligible men in Splendor.
He missed walking her to the boardinghouse after work, sharing breakfast on the occasion they both had time, and sitting next to her at church. Mostly, he missed their friendship.
Another wave of guilt assaulted him. It wasn’t her fault he hadn’t attempted to see her since Isaac arrived. All the blame lay with him.
From the discouraged look in May’s eyes when she’d come by his house the evening before, Caleb knew he’d created an incredible mess, unintentionally hurting a sweet young woman. The main reason he’d come to church this morning was to see May, apologize, and invite her to supper. Seeing her sitting next to Hex strengthened his resolve. Caleb had no intention of letting his lapse go unaddressed any longer.
Sliding her hand through Hex’s arm, May walked outside, glancing up at a darkened sky. Shivering, she guessed the temperature had dropped ten degrees since entering the church.
“Do you have plans for dinner, Miss Bacon?”
She almost laughed, thinking of the blank pages in her social calendar. “No plans, Mr. Boudreaux.”
Hex flashed a brilliant smile, one May felt certain got him most anything he wanted. “I’d be honored to escort you to dinner at the Eagle’s Nest.” His brows scrunched. “Of course, the boardinghouse or McCall’s might be better since you work in the restaurant at the St. James.”
Her eyes brightened. “I’ve only been in McCall’s a few times.”
“If you agree, that’s where we’ll go.” Movement to his side had Hex turning his head. “Good morning, Caleb.”
He looked from Hex to May, his gaze lingering on her. “Morning, Hex.” His voice softened. “Miss Bacon.”
“Hello, Mr. Covington.”
“Miss Bacon and I are having dinner at McCall’s. Why don’t you and Isaac join us?”
A soft groan left May’s lips at the same time a slight grin appeared on Caleb’s face. He pulled his gaze from her startled face.
“As long as we won’t be interrupting, Hex.”
“Not at all. It will give Miss Bacon and me a chance to get to know Isaac.”
May stifled the urge to tug on Hex’s arm, letting him know she preferred to share dinner just with him. Although she liked Hex and knew she’d have an enjoyable time with him, May didn’t want to sit across from Caleb. She needed more time before being in his company for more than a few minutes. Too bad she didn’t have a choice.
Caleb shifted Isaac in his arms. “I’m still getting to know him myself.” His voice was calm and somewhat teasing as he brushed hair from his son’s face.
“Let’s get over there before all the tables are gone.” Hex tightened his hold on May’s arm, leading the group across the street and down the boardwalk to the small restaurant owned by Betts and Elmer Jones. The couple purchased it over a year ago, changing the menu by adding items not offered at Suzanne’s boardinghouse. A somewhat rotund woman met them inside, a smile tilting the corners of her mouth at the sight of Isaac.
“I was beginning to think I’d never get to meet your little man, Caleb.” Betts ran a hand over Isaac’s hair. “Will you all be at the same table?”
Caleb nodded. “We will, Betts.”
She glanced around, motioning them toward a table in the center of the room. “Here you are.” Setting down a list of what was available, Betts took another look at Isaac, once again ruffling his hair. “I’ll get this young’un a glass of milk while you all decide what you want.”
Hex handed the list to Caleb. “Gabe told the deputies you’re coming back tomorrow. That right?”
He set Isaac in the chair beside him. “It is. Isabella Dixon will be taking care of Isaac.”
Caleb slid a look at May, watching as she lowered her gaze, fingers fumbling with the buttons on her coat. She didn’t look up, not even when Betts took their orders and brought coffee. When she did raise her head, it was to glance around the restaurant, looking anywhere except at him.
Did it bother May he’d gone straight to Isabella, not bothering to seek her out? Perhaps Mack had been right and he should’ve asked May if she’d have an interest in watching Isaac when not working. Caleb rubbed his neck. He didn’t seem to be doing much right when it came to May.
“Here you are.” Betts set plates in front of each of the adults, a smaller one for Isaac. “Let me know if you want more. There’s plenty.”
Except for Isaac, who chattered away between each bite, they ate in relative silence. Hex asked May a few questions, which she answered with concise replies. She did the same when Caleb drew her into the conversation. Always polite, she gave each man equal courtesy while pushing the food around on her plate. Caleb hated every minute of it. He wanted all her attention on him.
Reminding himself Hex had done him a favor by including them in the dinner plans, he relaxed. They’d have time to talk later, after he put Isaac down for a nap. He just needed to convince May to come by that evening and stay for supper.
A task he realized later would be much harder than he assumed.
Chapter Three
It had been months since she’d chosen the comfort of her bed over a hot breakfast. May pulled the covers snug under her chin, having no interest in leaving the warm bed for the chill of her bedroom. Suzanne kept three stoves on the first floor stoked all night, helping to warm the rooms upstairs. Still, the heat never seemed to be enough to do more than raise the temperature to a tolerable level.
Letting out a slow breath, May sighed in pleasure at the thought of having a day to do whatever she wanted. She’d had Mondays off since starting at the Eagle’s Nest, her one day to accomplish errands and perhaps find a quiet spot to read her dime novels.
The meal at McCall’s yesterday had been pleasant, even if May did have to endure almost an hour in Caleb’s company. Watching Isaac provided a welcome respite. The tiny scamp kept them entertained with his constant chatter, arms flailing when he wanted his father’s attention. Which, May conceded, Isaac accomplished with little effort.
When they’d left McCall’s, Caleb asked to speak with her. She’d deflected the request with a weak excuse before hurrying back to the boardinghouse.
Sitting next to the window in her room last night, May had picked at a slice of berry pie, sipping coffee she’d let go tepid. After a few hours to think it over, she’d mentally flogged herself for not giving Caleb the few minutes he’d requested.
Lying in bed now, she had to accept her childish thoughts over the last week might not be warranted. Within a few short minutes, Caleb’s future had been taken from him when a woman arrived at the wedding reception, gripping the hand of a toddler, a boy who was the spitting image of his father.
The fact Caleb had a son didn’t bother May at all. Her heart had swelled at the look in Caleb’s eyes when he learned about Isaac. There hadn’t been the slightest attempt to evade his responsibilities. Instead, he’d embraced his new role at the expense of anything or anyone else in his life. Including May.
She now wondered how he could’ve done anything else. Being an instant father forced him to make decisions and approach life in a different way. Still, a part of her hoped he would’ve included her as he got to know his son.
The woman had brought a small satchel containing a few of Isaac’s clothes, a small Bible, and a simple horse figure whittled from a piece of wood. Caleb bought more food, purchased a few toys, and selected additional clothes from the general store.
May couldn’t deny it hurt, knowing he’d asked Isabella to help him with all the little decisions, then hired her to watch Isaac while Caleb worked. The friendship between them, although new and tentative, had her believing he might turn to her for assist
ance. Instead, he’d chosen Isabella, offering May no more than a terse nod from across the street. Logic told her Travis Dixon’s wife was the better choice. Pride and the desire to be near Caleb twisted her thoughts in a way she now regretted.
After several days of painful reflection, May accepted his decisions had been sound. She didn’t know if his request to talk had been an attempt to explain his actions, confirm his desire to continue seeing her, or let May know his life no longer held a place for her. The last would be hard to hear, but it would be better knowing his intentions than continuing her silent brooding.
Throwing off the covers, May swung her legs over the side of the bed, making a decision. She knew Caleb would be resuming his duties as a deputy today.
Going through her morning ritual, she dressed, picking a blue cotton dress she knew Caleb liked. Adding a blue ribbon to her hair, May took a careful look in the mirror. Satisfied at her appearance, she slid into her coat, ready to find Caleb.
Caleb resisted the urge to stop by his house to see how Isabella and Isaac were doing. He’d already been by twice that morning. Once to find his son eating small slices of canned fruit, the second hearing laughter as they played a game on the floor. Looking through the window, he’d decided not to go inside and interrupt their fun.
Forcing himself to continue down the boardwalk, he stopped across the street from the boardinghouse, thinking of May. Crossing his arms, Caleb leaned his shoulder against a post, his gaze landing on the front door. He knew she seldom worked on Mondays, using her day off to run errands and do laundry in the tub Suzanne kept behind the boardinghouse.
He thought of checking to see if she was washing her clothes when the front door swung open. His breath caught for a moment, watching as May stepped outside, bundled inside her heavy coat. Stopping at the edge of the boardwalk, she looked around, her gaze passing over him before whipping back to lock on him.
Without thought, Caleb pushed away from the post, a slight smile quirking up the corners of his mouth. He walked across the street, not letting his attention stray from her face. He didn’t want her to misconstrue his intentions. Caleb planned to talk with her, and he meant to do it now. Stepping next to her on the boardwalk, he tipped his hat.
“Good morning, May.” He saw her slight smile falter a moment before she brightened.
“Good morning, Deputy Covington.” Mouth drawing into a thin line, she looked away, as if unable, or unwilling, to say more.
Caleb frowned at the formality. They’d agreed to use their first names after he’d gotten May’s consent to call on her.
Was it just a little more than a week ago I’d asked to court her? Caleb shook his head. It seemed like much longer since he’d felt the joy of her acceptance. Then everything had changed when a little boy, the exact image of him, had entered the church, clutching the hand of a woman he didn’t know. Everything else in his life had faded away, lost in the sudden responsibility of being a father.
He slid his hands into his pockets. “I wondered if you might have a few minutes to talk. Maybe we could have a meal at McCall’s.”
May forced herself to remember the reason she’d dressed and hurried outside. She’d wanted to find Caleb, discover if he still wanted to talk. Standing beside him now, she doubted it was a good idea.
Talking wouldn’t change the fact he no longer appeared to hold an interest in her. He’d made it plain by not showing the slightest amount of friendship toward her since his son arrived. No matter the change in circumstances, what kind of man shoved aside the woman who’d become a friend, treating her as if she meant no more to him than any other woman he’d known?
May wrung her hands together. As hard as it was to accept, Caleb was no different than her father, a man who cared about her when times were easy and good, ignoring her when conditions changed.
“There’s no need to explain anything, Deputy Covington. I understand you have new responsibilities with little time for much else.”
Eyes narrowing, nostrils flaring, Caleb wrapped a hand around her arm, leading her down the boardwalk. Ignoring her gasp and wide eyes, he crossed the street, dropping his hold when they entered McCall’s. He paused long enough for Betts to nod toward an empty table.
Pulling out a chair, he waited, watching as countless emotions crossed her face before she let out a breath and sat down. Sitting across from her, he ordered two cups of coffee and the dinner special for each of them. Not waiting more than two seconds after Betts walked away, Caleb leaned forward, saying the first words coming to mind.
“I’m sorry, May.”
Her eyes flickered. “For what, Deputy Covington?”
A pained look crossed his face. “May, I’d greatly appreciate it if you’d call me Caleb.” He waited as Betts set down their coffee. “I’m sorry I didn’t come to see you after Isaac arrived.”
She rushed to stop him from continuing. “You did see me and didn’t show any recognition, as if we’d never met.”
Caleb flinched, remembering the day she spotted him with Isaac, raising a hand in greeting. He’d stared, offering nothing in return. It had been a cruel reaction to her kind gesture, the same as the evening she’d brought him a plate of pastries—another act of generosity he’d accepted with no more than a thoughtless thank you.
“Something else I’m sorry about, May.” He said nothing more while Betts delivered their meals, finding he’d lost his appetite. Instead of picking up a fork, he didn’t move, not knowing what else to say.
She lifted one shoulder, her voice softening. “It’s all right. Your circumstances have changed. You have Isaac to think about.” Picking up a fork, she moved food around on her plate, stomach roiling at the thought of eating anything.
“It’s not all right, May. You deserve better.”
Ice formed in her stomach. Setting down the fork, she clasped her hands in her lap. “Better?”
Jaw clenching, he gave a curt nod. “There are things you don’t know about me, May. If you did, a sweet woman such as you wouldn’t want anything to do with me.”
“Yet you wanted to call on me before Isaac arrived. I don’t understand what you’re trying to tell me.” Her chair scraped against the worn wood floor as she pushed from the table. “If you no longer have an interest in me, just say so. You don’t have to make excuses. Believe me, I’ve heard enough of those to last a lifetime.”
Caleb didn’t like the way his chest squeezed at what she implied. “Don’t leave, May.”
Her eyes showed nothing except sorrow. “Do you still have an interest in me, Caleb?”
His hesitation told May all she needed. It wasn’t a broken heart twisting in her chest. It was the loss of hope. She could no longer imagine a future with a man she’d grown to like, respect. In time, their friendship might have grown into more, but Caleb didn’t seem willing to give them a chance.
“I do want to see you, May. I’m not certain you’ll want to spend time with me once you learn about my past.”
Stunned at his comment, she leaned forward, resting her arms against the edge of the table. “Before Isaac arrived, were you as worried about your past as you are now?”
“No, I wasn’t. Learning about him made me realize we’d never be able to have a future if you didn’t know how Isaac came to be, what happened before him.”
“Do you honestly believe I’d judge you for your past?”
He snorted a derisive chuckle. “Most people would.”
“Well, I’m not most people, Caleb Covington.”
“No, you certainly aren’t, May Bacon.”
She pursed her lips, deciding to take a chance most women wouldn’t. “I don’t have to be at the Eagle’s Nest tonight. So, if you’re serious about still seeing me…” She let the rest trail off, hoping Caleb would finish for her.
A smile broke across his face. “Miss Bacon, would you care to join Isaac and me for supper tonight?”
“Can you cook, Mr. Covington?”
Brows furrowing, he scratch
ed his chin. “As long as it comes out of a can.”
It was her turn to chuckle. “If you supply the food, I’ll be happy to cook us supper.”
He studied her, relieved they’d come to an understanding.
“While I do, you can tell me about a past so horrible it will change my mind about seeing you.”
The relief of a moment before faltered. Caleb knew the sooner she learned of his past, the sooner the gentle, East Coast woman would turn away, focus her attention on a man more suitable.
“It sounds like a good trade to me, May.” Picking up his fork, he speared a bit of stew. “Seems my appetite has returned.”
Her face brightened as she lifted her fork. “I believe mine has as well.”
South Pass City
Wyoming Territory
Chad Devlin sipped his whiskey, his gaze scanning the other men in the tent saloon at the edge of town. Always vigilant, he’d learned not to trust anyone, never allow a stranger at his back. The lesson couldn’t be forgotten in the lawless gold town of South Pass City.
For over a year, he’d been hiding in the town populated with some of the most evil men in the frontier. His younger brothers had fallen at the hands of a bounty hunter, all because a stray bullet hit a woman in Austin. Turned out she was the fiancée of a Texas Ranger, the same man who’d tracked and killed his brothers.
More than once, Chad thought the same fate awaited him. When the bounty hunter tracked him to South Pass City, he’d found refuge in a canyon hideaway populated by outlaws only a fool would try to enter alone.
After a few months, word came the bounty hunter had ridden out, giving up the search. But Chad never believed the man had forgotten. No man would forget his woman being murdered by an outlaw.
Angel Peak Page 3
